LITTLE CHURCH

The monastery of Grijó gets its name from a 10th century little church (Igrejola) originally on the same spot. It is now a 17th c. concoction in the typical Portuguese Mannerist style, heavily influenced by Flemish and German ornament (for almost half of the 1600s we were ruled by Spain, who also possessed Flanders).

The building is entirely in granite and boasts soaring vertical proportions, which can be seen from quite afar. Inside the narthex simple geometric azulejos cover the walls.

The original walled park which surrounds the complex is now in private hands. It is of no small size and is kept intact, which means the monastery’s surroundings still stand dignified in spite of being right in the middle of a densely populated area. The monastery is thus a rare surprise, and maintained in great condition with no modern accretions.

Finally, in English you would say “Gree-shaw” and not “Greesh-hoe” as the GPS lady insisted on.